A 12-year-old boy, presumably of Indian origin, sadly passed away in Minnesota after he was taken off life support this week. The devastating update comes merely days after Raghav Shrestha, a seventh-grade student at Sartell-St Stephen Middle School, was severely injured in the aftermath of a bike crash on “Muskie Hill.”
On Wednesday afternoon (US time), Sartell Police Chief Brandon Silgjord revealed that Raghav’s condition had worsened to such an extent that his medical team could no longer detect any brain activity. It ultimately pushed his family to make the most difficult decision of their life, which was pulling the plug on his life support at Hennepin County Medical Centre (HCMC).
US police honours 12-year-old Minnesota boy after tragedy
In a statement posted on Facebook Thursday, the police announced that Shrestha was given his a badge and made an honorary member of the Sartell Police Department, especially since he had dreamed of becoming a police officer. The Sartell Police Department honoured the young boy in front of his family at the medical centre where he was admitted.
“We learned today that Raghav’s dream was always to become a police officer when he grew up,” Sartell Police Chief Brandon Silgjord said, as per a Facebook statement. “Several of us involved in the incident were able to visit Raghav this morning, and in the presence of his family pin him with his own badge and swear him in as an honorary police officer with Sartell. Our community will continue to support Raghav’s family however we can as they process and grieve.”
Indian-origin boy Raghav Shrestha suffered a heart attack after Minnesota bike crash
Raghav Shrestha crashed as he was riding his bike down a hill at Northside Park Sunday afternoon. Despite wearing a helmet, the young kid sustained a serious head injury, which ultimately sent him into cardiac arrest.
At the time of the shocking fall, the Minnesota boy’s friend, 10, rung up 911. As he had difficulty in relaying the exact location of the accident, another person, who happened to be a CPR instructor, identified Gary Wassen, talked to the police. Cops eventually revealed that the individual also performed life-saving measures on Shrestha until authorities arrived.
Shrestha was first taken to St Cloud Hospital to give him the medical help he needed. However, as it was determined that he needed a higher level of care, Raghav was airlifted to HCMC, where he remained in critical condition and on life support.
The community members, alongside police, launched a fundraiser called ‘Hope for Raghav’ on SpotFund. Despite a goal of $25,000, the campaign has since gone overboard with funds amassing over $36,000.
“This fundraiser is to help with the many expenses that come with this unexpected tragedy: hospital bills, ongoing treatments/tests, therapy, and the support the family needs so they can focus on being by Raghav’s side every step of the way. Both of his parents are out of work as they remain at his bedside,” the fundraiser detailed.
The campaign organiser shared a follow-up updated on Thursday, disclosing that the young boy had been declared brain dead. “Raghav was a cheerful and fun loving 12-year-old, doing what so many 12-year-old boys would be doing on a beautiful fall afternoon, which makes this tragedy so difficult to comprehend,” read the message from the Sartell Police Chief.
“His parents, while grieving the loss of their son, also wanted it to be known that more than anything they are proud to be Raghav’s parents and to have raised and known a boy that was always courageous in his words and actions. Choosing to never cause harm to people and animals alike and taking the most pride in his role as a big brother.”